Thousands Congregate at CBCF Annual Prayer Breakfast with Spirit of Renewed Faith

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In an era where many count on prayer for global peace, thousands held hands together at a highly inspirational Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. Annual Prayer Breakfast on Sept. 18 in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner (President, Skinner Leadership Institute and Co-founder of the Annual Prayer Breakfast) offered Prayer for the Nation.

The leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) re-echoed commitment of the foundation, reflective of this year’s theme, “Celebrating the Vision, Continuing the Journey, Advancing the Mission.”

“Our vision is clear. We want the fundamental principles of liberty and justice to be the right of all God’s children,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee, chair of the CBC.

“The CBC is determined to align our prayers with the promise of this great nation. We understand that prayer has the power to change circumstances and to improve ourselves.”

Dr. Elsie L. Scott, president and CEO of the CBCF, said: “The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation continues to try to carry out its mission of developing the next generation of African American leaders on informing policy and educating the public.

“It has been the church that has served as our foundation for worship, praise, fellowship and activism. The Prayer Breakfast allows us to… meditate on where we’ve been and participate to keep us going.”

Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, senior pastor at the Empowerment Temple in Maryland, gave the Message.

There were appearances by Fred Hammond (singer/songwriter/producer/musician), Brenda Jackson (who creates a unique fusion of the Classic Opera and Gospel), and the Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel Choir.

“As seen at this Prayer Breakfast, we’ve always been people of faith,” Congressman Donald M. Payne (Chair, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.) told Ib’s Blog in an exclusive interview.

“It’s been the church and the spirituality; when we were enslaved people, we always knew that there was a higher being and we would pray and have faith. And so this is a continuation of the experience for African Americans,” Payne said. Read full interview with Congressman Payne.

Congresswoman Donna Edwards told Ib’s Blog, “I think for all of our communities, which ever faith community we draw from, that our spirituality is really what holds to get us together as communities to take on all the hard work that we have to do.

“It’s just always wonderful to get kind of fired up and excited once again as people of God for the communities who are in need.”

 

 

More on the Annual Legislative Conference:
· SPECIAL REPORT: Obama Determined to Finish Plan on Strengthening U.S. Economy
. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation “Continues the Journey” with its 40th Annual Legislative Conference
. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Actor Chris Tucker takes back “knowledge” from CBC Foundation Annual Legislative Conference
. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee reflects on the Power of the CBC Foundation Annual Legislative Conference as a Place for Inspiration and Empowerment
. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: We’ve always been People of Faith, Congressman Donald Payne Tells Ib’s Blog
. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Congressman Elijah Cummings Comments on the Need to Confront Issues Affecting People of Color
. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The Issue of Health Care Reform is Vitally Important for All, Says Maryland Delegate Nathan-Pulliam

Previous CBCF events covered by Ib’s Blog:
> “We Have Got To Reach Higher Heights,” Congressman Cummings Said At The CBCF “Economic Recovery Forum”
> CBCF’s “Economic Recovery Forum” Lays The Basics On “Preparing To Start Your Business”